Relight: meaning, definitions and examples
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relight
[riːˈlaɪt ]
Definition
to start burning again
To ignite or cause to ignite again. To restart a fire that has gone out. To relight a candle or a fire. To reignite a flame or a spark.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
relight |
used when a flame or light has gone out and needs to be started again, typically in the context of a candle or a small fire.
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ignite |
used in a literal sense to start a fire or cause something to burn, or figuratively to trigger a strong emotion or situation.
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rekindle |
typically used to describe reviving something that is fading or has faded, such as a relationship, memory, or enthusiasm.
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fire up |
used to describe starting something that requires fuel or energy, like an engine or a grill. Can also have a metaphorical meaning of becoming excited or angry.
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Examples of usage
- The camper used a match to relight the campfire.
- After the wind blew out the candle, she had to relight it.
- He had to relight the pilot light on the stove.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'relight' comes from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', combined with 'light', which refers to making something bright.
- The use of 'light' to mean 'to illuminate' dates back to Old English, showing how language evolves over time.
- In various languages, similar constructs exist; for instance, in French, 'rallumer' means to light again.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, lighting candles is symbolic of hope and remembrance, often used in rituals to signify renewal.
- The act of relighting candles can be seen in celebrations, like birthdays, where extinguishing and relighting signifies the passage of time.
- In literature and film, relighting a fire often symbolizes rekindling relationships or passions.
Science
- Flames occur when a material (fuel) combines with oxygen at a high temperature, which is why relighting requires both fuel and a spark.
- In terms of physics, light is an electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, making relighting an act of harnessing energy.
- Studies have shown that certain materials, like wax, burn more efficiently when relit under optimal conditions.
Psychology
- The concept of 'relighting' can metaphorically represent rekindling one's motivation or spirit after feeling low.
- Research indicates that activities like lighting a candle can have calming effects, helping individuals to refocus their thoughts.
- Nostalgia is often evoked when relighting candles at significant events, tying memories to sensory experiences.
Literature
- In poetry, light often symbolizes knowledge or enlightenment, and relighting can signify the return of clarity in thought.
- Famous authors incorporate themes of light and darkness to discuss human emotions and experiences, symbolizing hope through relighting.
- Classic stories frequently use the motif of rekindling a flame to illustrate personal growth or moral recovery in characters.
Translations
Translations of the word "relight" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reativar
🇮🇳 फिर से जलाना
🇩🇪 wiederanzünden
🇮🇩 menyalakan kembali
🇺🇦 перезапалити
🇵🇱 ponownie zapalić
🇯🇵 再点火する
🇫🇷 rallumer
🇪🇸 reencender
🇹🇷 yeniden yakmak
🇰🇷 다시 불을 붙이다
🇸🇦 إعادة إشعال
🇨🇿 znovu zapálit
🇸🇰 opäť zapáliť
🇨🇳 重新点燃
🇸🇮 ponovno prižgati
🇮🇸 endurbirta
🇰🇿 қайта жағу
🇬🇪 ხელახლა ანთება
🇦🇿 yenidən yandırmaq
🇲🇽 reencender